Sound-box.



iii-T Witness I 79 4 [26 v ax W- H. G. MILLER.

SOUND BOX.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 28, 1907.

1,050,743. Patented Jan. 14, 1913.

4 SHEETS-SHEET l.

attozmuz H. 0. MILLER. SOUND BOX,

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 28, 1907.

1,O5,7%w Patented 32111141913.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

l W H illumi- J? uwww 77 Svwewtoi wit" use:

H. C. MILLER.

SOUND BOX.

APPLICATION FILED JAN.28, 1907.

Patented Jan. 14; 1913.

4 SHEBTS-SHEET 3.

animator wit" use: $3 M {/w/Az.

H. G. MILLER.-

SOUND .BOX.

APPLIOATION FILED JAN. 28, 1907 11,050,743; Patented Jan. 14, 1913.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

arm/mu,

irirrn1) STATES PATENT OFFICE.

1,050,743. speciflcatimi of letters Patent Patented Jan. 14, 1913.

Application meg minias, 1901. sewn u 854,542.

at the grooveand perhaps jum out of the groove entirely. I accomplishhesc objects by supportlng the sound box on the stylus and providing aresilient recompense on To all whom it mag concern: I Be it knownthat'I, ,HENRY C. MILLER, a' citizen of the United States, residing atWaterford, in the county of Saratoga and State of New York, haveinvented certain said stylus, or in other words the stylus re- 60 newand useful Improvements in Soundsiliently hangs from the sound box. Ialso Boxes, of which the following is a specificaprovide apositivefulcrum for the stylus t-ion. lever, in combination with a recompense,

This invention relates to improvements .in and means for adjusting thelatter. 16 sound boxes designed primarily to overcome Other objects'andadvantages will behere- 65 rattling or blasting sounds usually presentnafter referred toand particularly pointed in sound boxes. I out in theclaims.

In the well-known talking machines, the In the drawings: Figure 1 is anelevation stylus supports the entire weight of the partlally in sectionof my improvement apsound box and frequently in addition the phed toatalking machine of the type where we l1orn;-fthe stylus 'lever' beingfed by the. the sound'box is adapted to be moved over groove intherecord.- In other forms the the surface of a record by means of a feedsound box is fed by appropriate feeding screw. F1g.,2 is a frontelevation of the mechanism, and in such instances "guidesame. Fig. 3 isa detail horizontal section ways are provided to relieve the weight onof a means for connecting the stylus lever 75 the stylus point, But inthe use of these to the diaphragmig. 3 is a side elevaconstructions Ihave discovered defects, in b01101: the same. Figs. 1, 5, and 6,reprethat a positive fulcrum for the stylus lever sent different formsof the application of is not used, resulting in the elimination of mymprovement to sound boxes. Fig. 7 is 25. the lower sounds of a selectionbeing rea deta1l sectional-view on the line 77 of 80 produced. Fig. 1.Fig. 8 1s a side elevation partially According to my invention, Iprovide in section of my improved sound box apwhat 'I shall hereafterterm recompensing' plied to atalking machine of the type Where means,which in effect causes the stylus to the record groove moves the stylusoveiidts 80 follow closely all, of the vertical indentasurface; Fig. 9is-a face View of the same. 85

Fig. 10 is anedge view. Fig. 11. is an enlarged detail section of astylus and a portion of the record. Fig. 12 is a detail horizontalsectional view of the sound box, the dia- '-tions of the record, andalso prevents the stylus from jumping, from one groove to the other. Thedetails of construction of the recompense are such as to enable thestylus to recover itself from one indentation phragm being flattened. Fi 13 is a similar .90 to the other, because I eliminate the rigid viewillustrating the norma position of the style structure which supportsthe weight diaphragm. Fig. 14 is a detail section of a of the sound box,and sometimes the horn, straight diaphragm and a covered tuning usuallyemployed on other sound boxes element ready to be applied to the former.

where the whole weight of the structure is Fig. 15 is a viewflof thediaphragm with 95 the modifyingelement applied thereto. Fig.

supported on the stylus. Although I donot 16 is a similar View. showingthe modifying show it inthe drawing, the horn may be the stylus to bealways in perfect contactf withthe projections or undulations of thedirectly connected to the sound box, in which case the stylus supportsthe sound box and the horn; my invention even then compelling groovethereby rendering the reproduction natural. Without the use of arecompense device it would not be possible for a stylus tosupport theweight of the sound box without the use of some resilient means betweenthe stylus and the sound box, as the stylus would jump from one boldprojection to the other without reaching the indentation elementcomposed of a series of strips. Fig. 17 is a detail view of therecompense. Fig. 18-is asectional view of amodification.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1, 2, and 6; 1, indicates a sound box,preferably of /hard rubber, and 2, a flange therein against which bearsa resilient washer 3, to support a dished diaphragm 4. A Washer 5, ofless diameter than the washer 3, bears against the opposite side of thedi hragm and is supported by a spider 6, t e latter being swiveled to athreaded stem 7, provided with a head 8, with indicating characters onits a spring tongue 19, against which an ad justing screw 20, bears,said screw being.

mounted in an extension 21, on the sound box 1, and held in set positionby a locknut 22. Between the ears 18, is pivotally mounted the styluslever 23, which has extensions 24; one receiving a screw 25, in one f ofthe ears and the other receiving a spring 3 pressed pin 26, in anextension 27, on the other ear, and adapted to be held in fixed po- Theend of the stylus lever rests against the face of the diaphragm and isheld in contact therewith f by a spring or other yielding connection 29,

sition by a set screw 28.

secured to the diaphragm" and passing over the outer edge of the lever,as shown par ticularly in Figs. 1, and 2. This connection may be variedsomewhat as shown in Figs. 3

and 3, wherein a piece of catgut 30, is secured to the diaphragm and itpasses around the stylus lever, and interposed between the latter andthe diaphragm is a light spring 31. By this construct-ion it is evidentthat Y the stylus 31, will recover itself quickly in passing from oneindentation or projection phragm throughout its entire area, caused tothe act that the adjustment of the bearings for the stylus lever aresupported by f of the roove in the record to the other, due

a resilient plate fastened to the sound box and the connection of saidlever with the diaphragm is such, as will effectually relieve the strainincident to the direct weight of the sound box. Furthermore, thenecessary downward pressure of the stylus in the record groove, can beminutely adjusted by manipulation of the set screw 20, to increase ofthe stylus lever, said screw bearing upon a spring tongue 20, whichcarries the stylus 32. In Fig. 5, the set screw 20, extends through alug extending inwardly from the sound box, and bears on a light spring20}, extending from the stylus lever, and another light spring 20, alsoextending from the stylus lever bears directly on the diaphragm.

In Fig. 6, the stylus lever is provided with a light spring 20, whichbears on the diaphragm, while a spring tongue 20 extends from the rearof said ever and the adjusting screw 20, bears on a lug, 20, extendingfrom the sound box. In each of the constructions shown in Figs. 4, 5,and 6, the same substantial results can be obtained as with the form ofmy invention shown in F1i.1and2. I

ferring to Figs. 8, 9, and 10, the construction of the mounting for thestylus lever is substantially the same as that shown in Figs. 1, and 2,except its form is somewhat chan ed to adapt it to an angularly disposesound box. In connection with the means of mounting the stylus lever Ihave found results can be obtained by the employment of a normallyconcavo-convexo diaphragm, preferably formed of wood, and having applledto it a modifyin element 4 located across the grain, and WE tendency issuch as to dish the diaphragm. The diaphragm when. the modifyingelementis first applied, is considerably higher in pitch than may berequired. The pitch of the diaphragm may be reduced while on the soundbox by peeling, or sandpapering the modifying element. modifying elementmay be formed of a series of strips, such for instance as shown in Fig.16, in which case the pitch or tune of the diaphragm may be altered byremoving one or more of said strips. When operating the sound box thepitch may be modified by turning the threaded stem 7, toflattcn thediaby the engagement of the Washer 5, pressing it interior 0 the washer3. It is well known that the tension on and altering of the face 1 formof a diaphragm materially affects the sound reproduced, and I findsuperior results are obtained by having it normally dished, and thenflattening it.

40, indicates a sound dampener, shown particularly in Figs. 8 and 9, andcomprises a cup-shaped member 41, on the sound'box, and a similarcup-shaped member hinged at 43, andprovided with two fingers 44, bent toprovide bufiers 45, and designed to contact with the diaphragm; a slightspring 46, causing the two members to be drawn together. The cup-shapedmembers form a pocket for a bulb 47 connected by a pipe 48, with a bulb49, designed to be held in the hand of the operator. When it .is desiredtb dampen the sound to produce eflt'ects necessary in the reproductionof certain selections, the bulb 49, is slightly squeezed and the buffersor points 45, are caused to engage the diaphrauntil the effect on thereproduction is o tained. For instance, to soften the sound the buffersare caused to contact with the diaphragm, while for loudness pressure onthe diaphragm is relieved.

Referring to the construction shown in Fig. 1, 50, indicates a post toreceive the ose normal It is obvious that the on an internal threadedsleeve 60.

record 52, and it has fixedto it a sprocketwheel 53 around which aleather belt 54-, passes, which also passes around a sprocketwheel 55,mounted on a shaft 56. A sleeve 57 extends from the sprocket wheel 55,and at its upper end is a beveled gear wheel 58 which meshes with abeveled gear 59, foripis1 e sleeve 60, is mounted in a bearing 61, onthe upper end of the rod 56, and is held in place by a collar 62. Asupporting rod 63, extends outwardly from a tube '64, connected to thesound box 1-, and this rod is provided with a groove 65, in which slidesa rod 70,

beveled at one end at 72, and provided on.

its lower end with threads 73, adapted to engage the threads on theinternally threaded sleeve, and normally held in engagement therewith bysprings 74. The end of the rod 70, is provided with a handle 75,inclined on its lower end at 76, to engage a similar inclined surface 77, on rod 63, which, together with a pin 78, extending across the groove65, will permit of the elevating of the threaded bar to disengage itfrom the internal threads of the sleeve 60, and thereby allow of thesound box being returned to normal position, after a selection has beenreproduced.

Where diaphragms of unusually large diameters are to be used, my presentinvention is particularly applicable. Under this'condition it isessential that the stylus lever be long, but this matters not in so faras results are concerned, because of the fact that the direct strain onthe record is relieved by my improved form of recompense.

The means shown for holding the stylus lever to the diaphra is ofimportance in my improved soundi b stylus lever contacting'with thediaphragm is not of a permanent nature which would necessitate of arecord lifting the entire weight of the sound box, but on the contrarythe stylus yields to allow the parts to elastically carry the vibrationsfrom the record tothe diaphragm without causing the usual rattlingnoise, incident to an ordinary link or other positive connection. Thisfeature possesses another advantage in that it permits of the diaphragmbeing readily removed for repairs or change of parts. This constructionis'also quite essential, inasmuch as the stylus must at all timesmaintain a determinate position, so, when the diaphragm is dished orstraightened, the necessary relative location of the parts will at, alltimes be maintained, and at the same time strain is obviated.

From the foregoing description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings it will be seen, I have a sound box supported 'by a stylus,with a resilient recompense on said stylus; a stylus resiliently hungfrom he sound box, the resili n means support- The point of the ing thewhole or part of said sound box;

It is evident many minor changes may be lnadewithout departing from thespirit and scope of my invention, as for-instance instead of pivotalfulcrums I may employ knife or spring fulcrums.

In Fig. 18,1 have shown'a different form of my invention. The lower partof the stylus lever is split to provide a spring member 80, and thescrew 20, is mounted in the upper member of said lever. Thiscqnstructionproduces a recompense of the same general principle disclosed in Fig. 4.

' What I claim is: v

1. A sound box comprising a diaphragm, a resilient member secured to thesound box and carrying bearings, a stylus lever pivotally mounted in thebearings to permit movement of the stylus independent of the movement bythe resilient member, said stylus lever bearing on the diaphragm, andmeans bearing on the resilient member to increase or decrease thetension on said member at right angles to the movement of the styluslever by the diaphragm.

2. A sound box comprising a diaphragm, a stylus lever, yielding meanssecured to the diaphragm and passing around the stylus lever to hold thelatter in former. v

3. A sound box comprising a diaphragm, a stylus lever, yielding meanssecured to the diaphragm and passing around the stylus lever to forcethe latter toward the diaphragm, and a yielding connection between thestylus lever and the sound 'box.

4. A sound box comprising a concavoconvex diaphragm, means independentof the stylus lever for flattening the diaphragm, a stylus levercobperating with the diaphragm, a resilient means for holding one end ofthe stylus lever in contact with the diaphragm.

5. A sound box comprising a convex diaphragm, means for flattening thediaphragm, a stylus lever, and a resilient connection between thediaphragm and the stylus lever to hold one end of the latter in contactwith the diaphragm.

6. A sound box comprising a concaveconvex diaphragm, a plurality ofparallel strips extending across-the face of the diaphragm andpermanently secured thereto throughout their entire length, and a styluslever coiiperating with the diaphragm.

7. A sound box comprising a concavoconex d aphragm, h ing at a he heretcont-act with the a modifying element extending diametristylus lever incontactwith the diaphragm.

9. A sound box comprising a concavo- 1 convex diaphragm, 1a modifyingelement attached to and extendin overthe face thereof and normallytending to dish the diaphragm, and a stylus lever cooperating with thediaphragm.

10. A sound box composing a wooden concavo-convex diaphragm, a modifyingelement attached to and extending diametrically over the face of thediaphragm and secured thereto throughout its entire length, and ayielding stylus lever cooperating with the diaphragm.

11. A sound box comprising a diaphragm, a modifying element composed ofa plurality of sections attached thereto, and extending diametricallyacross the face of the diaphragm and secured thereto throughout itsentire length, and a stylus lever cooperating with the diaphragm.

12. A sound box comprising a diaphragm and a stylus lever, adampenerincluding a buffer to bear on the diaphragm, a pneumatic device foroperating the buffer including a bulb located at a point distant fromthe sound boX and a connection between the bulb and buffer, whereby uponoperation of the bulb, the buffer may be operated to change the tone ofthe diaphragm during the reproduction of a selection.

13. A sound box comprising a concavoconvex diaphragm, a modifyingelement attached to and extending diametrically across the face of thediaphragm, a washer against which the diaphragm rests, a second washeron the opposite side of the diaphragm and smaller in diameter than thefirst mentioned washer, a spider supporting the second washer, means forforcing the spider toward the first washer to flatten the diaphragm, astylus lever cooperating with the diaphragm, a resilient connectionbetween the latter and the stylus lever, and a resilient connectionbetween the sound box and the stylus lever to permit movement of thelatter independent of the former.

14. A sound box, comprising a casing, a diaphragm in the casing, astylus lever, resilient means for securing the stylus lever to thecasing to permit the point of the stylus lever to move slightly over theface of the diaphragm, means connecting the stylus le-' veil and thediaphragm to permit the slight movement of said stylus, and means forregulating the tension of the resilient means.

15.'A sound box comprising a casing, a diaphragm in the casing, a styluslever, a resilient connection supported by the casing, means pivotallyconnecting the stylus lever to the resilient connection to permit thestylus lever to rock, and means holding the point of contact of thestylus lever against the diaphragm, but permitting said stylus lever tobe moved slightly over the face of the diaphragm by movement of theresilient connection, and means for regulating the tension of theresilient connect-ion.

r 16. A sound box comprising a casing, a diaphragm in the casing, astylus lever, a resilient element connected to the casing and havingbearings, means pivotally supporting the stylus lever in the bearings,and a connection between the stylus lever and the diaphragm whichwillpermit movement of the stylus lever by the resilient connectionindependent of the movement of the dia phragm.

17. A sound box, comprisinga diaphragm, a stylus lever, yielding meanssecured to the diaphragm and passmg around the stylus leyer to hold thelatter in contact with the former, and a resilient element secured tothe sound box to which the stylus lever is pivoted.-

18. A sound box comprising a diaphragm, a modifying element attachedthereto and. extending diametrically across the face of the diaphragm,and secured thereto throughout its entire length, a stylus levercooperating with the diaphragm and a spring secured to the diaphragm andextending around the stylus lever to hold the end of the latter incontact with said diaphragm.

19. A sound box comprising a diaphragm,

' a modifying element attached diametrically across the face of thediaphragm and secured thereto throughout its entire length, a styluslever cooperating with the diaphragm, 1 resilient means for holding thestylus lever in contact with the diaphragm, and means independent of theresilient means for increasing or decreasing the frictional contact ofthe stylus lever with the diaphragm. 1 20. A sound box comprising adiaphragm, a stylus lever, yielding means passing around the styluslever, and secured to the diaphragm to hold the said lever in contactwith the diaphragm. 1 21.- A sound box comprising a diaphragm,

a stylus lever, yielding means secured to the diaphragm, and passingaround the stylus lever to force the latter toward the diaphragm, and ayielding connection between 1 the stylus lever and the sound box.

22. sound box comprising a diaphragm, a modifying element attachedthereto and extending diametrically across the face )f the diaphragm,and secured thereto through- 1 out itsentire length, a stylus levercooperating with the diaphragm, a yielding connection between the styluslever and the diaphragm, and means for altering the cross sectionalshape ofthe diaphragm including the reinforcing element.

23. A soimd box comprising a diaphragm, a stylus lever cooperating withthe diaphragm, yielding means for holding the stylus lever against thediaphragm, means independent of the stylus lever for altering the crosssectional shape of the diaphragm and means extending across the face ofthe diaphragm forreinforcing the latter, said means bein permanentlysecured to the face of the diap rag'm.

I 24. A sound box comprising a concavo convex diaphragm, a modifyingelement attached to and extending over the face thereof, and normallytending to dish the diaphragm, a stylus lever cooperating with thediaphragm, and means operating on the diaphragm for altering its crosssectional shape to change its tone during the period of reroducin aselection.

25. A sound boxcomprising a casing, a

diaphragm, a stylus lever, a flat spring plate formed with an openingand secured to the casing, and having bearings, the stylus extendingthrough the openings in the fiat spring plate and mounted in thebearings, and an adjusting element on the casing to regulate the tensionof the fiatspring plate.

In testimony whereof Ihave signed my name to this specification in thepresence of two subscribing witnesses.

HENRY G. KELLER. Witnesses:

F. F. FoLLnT, Gnonsn H. Conn.

